"What is a Columbarium, anyway?" It's a structure that is lined with small vaults in which urns containing cremation remains can be stored forever. It is an attractive, increasingly popular and affordable alternative to traditional outdoor cemeteries.

The Columbarium at St. John's Cathedral is convenient, secure and inviting. It presents a beautiful and dignified arrangement of glass and marble-fronted niches, offering guaranteed perpetual care of cremation urns. All faiths and denominations are welcome.

The Columbarium at St. John's Cathedral was built by excavating under the church, strengthening the columns supporting the church, and pouring pillar extensions and a concrete floor. An entrance that is separate from the church on the north side was constructed, carefully matching the existing building.

The Columbarium consists of an entranceway on the Knox United Church side of the Cathedral, The Chapel of the Good Shepherd, and a room containing niches (small storage vaults) for urns containing ashes. There are over 600 niches of various sizes. There are niches designed for
one urn; other niches are designed for two urns. There are also glass-fronted niches and granite-fronted niches that accommodate several urns, and are suitable for families. Personal mementos such as a photo or military medals or a favorite trinket can be put in the niche with the cremation urn to personalize it.

Additional niches are to be added in November 2001, completing the first of what will eventually be six adjacent rooms holding almost 6000 niches. Although the large glass-fronted niches have proven to be most popular, the Columbarium can meet all needs and price preferences. Niches are priced from $800.00 to several thousand dollars.

Located in downtown Saskatoon close to public transit, the Columbarium is indoors and wheelchair accessible. The Columbarium is provincially licensed under The Cemeteries Act and meets today's modern standards. It has an alarm system monitored 24 hours a day. A personalized entry system allows access by family members during the day and early evening.

The Chapel of the Good Shepherd accommodates 75 people. Regular services are held, and special interdenominational services are offered four times a year, Mother's and Father's Day, Christmas and Easter. These are well attended by those who wish to experience a special moment of commemoration.

The Columbarium is open to the public on Monday to Friday from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Upon request, it can be viewed after hours and on weekends. Look for the sign on Spadina Crescent!

Further information or a tour of The Columbarium at St. John's call (306) 343-5323 in Saskatoon..